Seroepidemiology ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in Bai and Han ethnic groups in southwestern China

2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (4) ◽  
pp. 881-886 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-L. LI ◽  
L. DONG ◽  
Q. LI ◽  
L. ZHANG ◽  
J. CHEN ◽  
...  

SUMMARYEating raw pork and/or liver is a custom of the Bai ethnic group in China. Most people living in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, southwestern China are of Bai ethnicity. Little is known of the seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiin Bai and Han ethnic populations in this region. In the present survey, a total of 555 and 595 blood samples were obtained from Bai and Han ethnic groups in Dali urban and rural areas, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to examineT. gondiiIgG antibodies. Total positive rate of anti-T. gondiiIgG in Bai and Han groups in this region was 21·6% (248/1150). The total seroprevalence ofT. gondiiwas significantly higher in the Bai ethnic group (32·3%, 179/555) than in the Han ethnic group (11·6%, 69/595) (P < 0·01). The results of statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between cat feeding/non-cat feeding groups in the Bai ethnic group, the most important risk factor was consumption of raw pork and/or liver for the Bai group, but feeding a cat may be the main route ofT. gondiiinfection for the Han group. Therefore, it is essential to implement integrated strategies to prevent and controlT. gondiiinfection in this unique region of the world.

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1283
Author(s):  
Katendi Changula ◽  
Edgar Simulundu ◽  
Boniface Pongombo Lombe ◽  
Eri Nakayama ◽  
Hiroko Miyamoto ◽  
...  

Ebolaviruses and marburgviruses are filoviruses that are known to cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). While some bat species are suspected to be natural reservoirs of these filoviruses, wild NHPs often act as intermediate hosts for viral transmission to humans. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we screened two NHP species, wild baboons and vervet monkeys captured in Zambia, for their serum IgG antibodies specific to the envelope glycoproteins of filoviruses. From 243 samples tested, 39 NHPs (16%) were found to be seropositive either for ebolaviruses or marburgviruses with endpoint antibody titers ranging from 100 to 25,600. Interestingly, antibodies reactive to Reston virus, which is found only in Asia, were detected in both NHP species. There was a significant difference in the seropositivity for the marburgvirus antigen between the two NHP species, with baboons having a higher positive rate. These results suggest that wild NHPs in Zambia might be nonlethally exposed to these filoviruses, and this emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of filovirus infection in wild animals to better understand the ecology of filoviruses and to assess potential risks of outbreaks in humans in previously nonendemic countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33
Author(s):  
Merza H. Homady ◽  
Tanya S. Salih ◽  
Mariamm M. Al-Jubori ◽  
Mustafa D. Younus

The study inc1uded 50 tissue blocks embedded in paraffin wax (16 females and 34 males), obtained from a patients group with (CRC) colorectal cancer , as well as 35 Tissue blocks that were embedded in paraffin wax from norma1 co1on (ulcerative co1itis) as controls. A relatively few oncogenes and most prominently tumor-suppressing genes, Kirastien rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), and P53 genes have been mutated into a significant part of CRCs, and a broad collection of mutated genes has been defined in CRC subsets. Current findings showed very significant differences between patients and control subjects in the p53 positive rate (P<0.001). TP53 Pro/Pro genotype positivity was higher in the contro1 group I than in the patient group I and this was a significant difference (Pi<0.001) with an odd ratio of less than one. The genotype Pro/Pro was considered to be protective against colorectal carcinoma preventively fractured 0.767. The positive rate of p53 Arg/Arg genotype in patients was more frequent and statistically significant (P <0.01), because the odd ratio was more than one. The genotype Arg/Arg would be considered a colorectal carcinoma risk factor. We conclude that p53 over expression is used as an indicator of p53 mutation (as identified by immuno-historic chemistry) and KRAS protein expression was negatively impaired for all the patients in the current study.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 356
Author(s):  
Anna Onoyase Ph.D

<em><em>The study investigated determinants of marriage stability among married couples in North Central Nigeria. In order to carry out this study, four hypotheses were formulated. An instrument known as “Determinants of Marriage Stability Questionnair (DOMSQ)” was constructed by the researcher and used to collect information from the field. The instrument had content and facial validity and its reliability coefficient is 0.87. The investigator used eight research assistants to administer nine hundred and ninety copies of the questionnaire on the respondents in Kogi and Benue States. Nine hundred and eighty three copies were retrieved from the respondents indicating 99.3 percent return rate. The researcher collated the information got from the field work and the Z statistics was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that, there was no significant difference between male and female married couples in their identification of childlessness as determinant of marriage stability, there was no significant difference between married couples in the urban and rural areas in their identification of sexual satisfaction as determinant of marriage stability, there was no significant difference between old and young married couples in their identification of cultural background as determinant of marriage stability, there was no significant difference between married couples from Kogi and Benue States in their identification of communication as determinant of marriage stability. One of the recommendations is that couples who are faced with the problem of childlessness should seek medical assistance and also be positive about such outcome.</em></em>


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Lorena Patricia Gallardo Peralta

ABSTRACTThis research analyzes the differences in health in terms of belonging to a native Chilean ethnic group in the region of Arica and Parinacota. This is one of the first investigations in Chile and South America that analyze this dimension in the aging process. This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study. The sample consists of 493 Chilean elderly living in the far north of Chile. The application of the questionnaire was conducted through personal interviews. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas, including villages in the Chilean Altiplano. Scales internationally recognized geriatric research to measure the presence of symptoms of impaired health, dependence and depression were applied. The results of data analysis showed statistically significant differences in depression and health in terms of ethnic belonging, establishing a disadvantage for the elderly Indians. The findings confirm the heterogeneity of the aging process and the importance of the cultural aspects through belonged to a native ethnic group. For the field of social sciences this study confirms the need for gerontological contextualized interventions that positively discriminate against groups at riskRESUMENEsta investigación analiza las diferencias en salud en función de la pertenencia a una etnia originaria chilena en la región de Arica y Parinacota. Se trata de unas de las primeras investigaciones en Chile y en Sudamérica que analizan esta dimensión en el proceso de envejecimiento. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal. La muestra está conformada por 493 personas mayores chilenas que residen en el extremo norte de Chile. La aplicación del cuestionario se realizó a través de entrevista personal. El estudio fue realizado en zona urbana y zonas rurales, incluyendo poblados del altiplano chileno. Se aplicaron escalas internacionalmente reconocidas en la investigación geriátrica para medir la presencia de síntomas de deterioro en salud, dependencia y depresión. Los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de datos muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en depresión y salud en función de la pertenecía étnica, estableciendo una desventaja para las personas mayores indígenas. Los hallazgos confirman la heterogeneidad del proceso de envejecimiento y la relevancia de los aspectos culturales a través de la pertenecía a una etnia originaria. Para el campo de las ciencias sociales este estudio confirma la necesidad de realizar intervenciones gerontológicas contextualizadas que discriminen positivamente a los grupos en riesgo social.


Drug Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (08) ◽  
pp. 475-480
Author(s):  
Mohammad Heidari ◽  
Mansureh Borujeni ◽  
Mansour Ghafourifard ◽  
Rahim Sheikhi

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of various diseases in the elderly has increased the use of drugs, which is coupled with age-related physiological changes and places the elderly at risk for multiple side effects. The present study aimed to determine awareness, attitudes and practices of elderly towards self-medication. Materials and Methods The sample included 300 participants over 60 years under any of the health centers in urban and rural areas of Abadeh city, who were selected based on stratified random sampling method. In order to collect data, the questionnaire including demographic information, awareness, attitude and performance of the elderly and the checklist of drug intractable consumption. Results Based on the results, 76% of the elderly reported drug consumption. Regarding lifestyle, the average score of the elderly’s awareness for the elderly who lived with and without families were 78.6±14.2 and 69.2±13.6, respectively. In other words, a significant difference was observed between these two groups. In addition, there was a significant between the elderly’s performance score with and without family members about the self-medication (p=0.001). Conclusion Considering the increase in self-medication among the elderly, adherence to prescription criteria for drug among this age group is recommended. Finally, designing and implementing various educational programs in health education center is necessary for the elderly and their families for the purpose of improving awareness and practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S232-S232
Author(s):  
H Korkmaz ◽  
K Fidan

Abstract Background In this study, we investigated the importance of netrin-1 levels in ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical activity of the disease, and its association with other proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Methods This study is a type of case–control study. Sixty-seven patients with UC (36 of them activation, 31 of remission) and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. UC patients; ‘Truelove Witts clinical activity index by remission (n = 31), mild activation (n = 21), moderate activation (n = 6) and severe activation (n = 9) were divided into groups. Netrin, IL-6 and TNF-α measurements in plasma samples were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results Between the patient group and the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between netrin-1, IL-6, TNF-α, neutrophil, platelet (p &lt; 0.05 for all). The plasma netrin-1 mean of UC with severe activation group (139.21 ± 48.09 pg/ml) was statistically significantly higher than that of the mild activation (p = 0,037), remission group (p = 0,001) and control group(p = 0,011). The plasma netrin-1 mean of UC with moderate activation group was statistically significantly higher than that of the mild activation(p = 0,045) and remission group(p = 0,004). Conclusion Our results reveal that plasma netrin-1 levels have been shown to be associated with UC activation, similar to proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, in UC.


2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. P1594-P1594
Author(s):  
A. Roy ◽  
P. A. Praveen ◽  
K. Anand ◽  
A. Ritvik ◽  
R. Lakshmy ◽  
...  

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 2001-2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Grosso ◽  
Stefano Marventano ◽  
Gabriele Giorgianni ◽  
Teodoro Raciti ◽  
Fabio Galvano ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet and nutrient intakes in a population of Sicily, southern Italy and to evaluate possible determinants, particularly socio-cultural and lifestyle factors.DesignCross-sectional.SettingUrban and rural areas of eastern Sicily.SubjectsBetween May 2009 and December 2010, 3090 adults were randomly recruited through the collaboration of fourteen general practitioners. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the MedDietScore. Nutrient intakes were assessed through the 24 h recall of the previous day's dietary intake.ResultsRural participants were barely more adherent to the Mediterranean diet than their urban counterparts (mean scores were 27·8 and 27·2, respectively, P = 0·037). The MedDietScore was correlated with intakes of MUFA, fibre and vitamin C, as well as with consumption of non-refined cereals, vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products, alcohol and nuts. Regression analysis revealed that older and more educated people were more likely to be in the highest tertile of MedDietScore (OR = 1.90; 95 % CI 1·39, 2·59 and OR = 1·29; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·58, respectively). A significant difference in quantity (moderate) and quality (red wine and beer) of alcohol was found according to adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Finally, more active participants were 1·5 times more likely to form part of the high-adherence group.ConclusionsA slow but concrete moving away from traditional patterns has been observed in younger people and low educated people. Public health interventions should focus on these target populations in order to improve the quality of their diet.


PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e5652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Zhang ◽  
Junfeng Zhang ◽  
Shaohong Su ◽  
Suyan Luo

Background This study evaluated changes in interleukin (IL)-27 levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their influence on Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells. Methods Serum levels of IL-27, IL-4, IL-17, and interferon (IFN)-γ in healthy subjects as well as patients with ACS, including stable angina pectoris (SA), unstable angina pectoris (UA), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The proportions of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), were measured using flow cytometry, after incubation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 4 h. The proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells among PBMCs in AMI and UA were detected after stimulation with IL-27 or PMA + IL-27 for 4, 8, and 12 h. Results Serum levels of IL-27 in patients with AMI and UA were significantly lower than those in SA and control groups, while serum levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ in AMI and UA groups were dramatically increased compared to those in SA and healthy control groups. However, there were no statistically significant differences in serum IL-4. The proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells among PBMCs were statistically significantly higher in the AMI and UA groups than those in the SA and control groups, while there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of Th2 cells among different groups. For patients with AMI and UA, the effect of co-stimulation of PBMCs with PMA and IL-27 was not significantly different from that of PMA single stimulation, while PMA + IL-27 co-stimulation lowered the Th17 cell proportion significantly compared to PMA single stimulation. Discussion Compared to SA patients and healthy controls, patients with ACS (AMI + UA) had lower serum levels of IL-27 and higher proportions of PBMC Th1 and Th17 cells, which could be attributed to the inhibitory effects of IL-27 on the proliferation of Th17 cells. These results indicated that IL-27 could be a novel therapeutic target in ACS patients.


Author(s):  
Collen Manganyana ◽  
Sonja Van Putten ◽  
Willem Rauscher

The aim of this study was to investigate how the implementation of GeoGebra by teachers who had recently attended a GeoGebra training course, impacts on learner experience and achievement. The study was conducted in four disadvantaged and under resourced schools situated in rural areas of the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Despite the curriculum’s encouragement to use educational technology in the mathematics classroom, and evidence of the benefits of such use, literature indicates that most mathematics teachers still struggle with effective technology integration into their classrooms. Within the non-equivalent quasi-experimental design of this study, a quantitative approach was used. The conceptual framework involved the first two levels of Kirkpatrick’s (1996) four level framework. Four Grade 10 classes comprising of 165 learners participated in this research. Data collection involved a questionnaire administered to the experimental group, as well as pre- and post-tests assessing the achievement of the learners regarding the properties of quadrilaterals administered to both the experimental and control groups. Results from the quantitative data analysis showed a significant difference in the mean scores with a mean difference of 6.5 in favour of learners taught with GeoGebra compared to a chalk and talk method. Implementation of and enthusiasm about GeoGebra had a positive influence on learner achievement. Analysis of the questionnaire responses indicated a positive reaction towards the use of GeoGebra in learning about quadrilaterals. Based on the results, it was concluded that GeoGebra as a pedagogical tool can work effectively in deep rural schools where geometry is hardly taught.


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